Bio-Rad Introduces the Genes in a Bottle™ Educational Kit to U.S. Retail Markets

Date: 
2012-12-06
Genes in a Bottle

With the Genes in a Bottle kit, users can create keepsake jewelry out of DNA extracted from their own cheek cells.

Hercules, CA — December 6, 2012 — Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE: BIO and BIOb), a multinational manufacturer and distributor of life science research and clinical diagnostic products, today announced the launch of a retail version of its Genes in a Bottle kit, one of the products that is also offered by the company’s science education Biotechnology Explorer™ program. The new home version of the kit is now available in U.S. retail markets.  

The Genes in a Bottle kit introduces consumers to molecular biology using their own DNA, employing the same real-world laboratory procedure that is used to extract DNA from various organisms. In this easy one-step process, users extract DNA from their own cheek cells and minutes later are able to see this normally invisible substance of life as white strands floating in liquid. Afterward, the strands are transferred to a small bottle that is hung from a keepsake necklace.   

While the Genes in a Bottle kit is designed for children 8 years and older, it is an activity that may be enjoyed by the entire family. The kits will be available in museum stores, specialty toy shops, online retail outlets, educational supply stores, catalogs, and other retail outlets.  

Now in its 15th year, the Biotechnology Explorer program offers educators tools that introduce students to fundamental scientific methods that are used in today’s research laboratories. Since it began, the program has helped educate millions of students in life science programs around the world.

About Bio-Rad
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE: BIO and Bob) has remained at the center of scientific discovery for more than 50 years, manufacturing and distributing a broad range of products for the life science research and clinical diagnostic markets. The Company is renowned worldwide among hospitals, universities, major research institutions, as well as biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies for its commitment to quality and customer service. Founded in 1952, Bio-Rad is headquartered in Hercules, California, and serves more than 100,000 research and industry customers worldwide through its global network of operations. The Company employs over 7,100 people globally and had revenues exceeding $2 billion in 2011. For more information, visit www.bio-rad.com.

This release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as, “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “will,” “intend,” “estimate,” “continue,” or similar expressions or the negative of those terms or expressions. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to vary materially from those expressed in or indicated by the forward-looking statements. For further information regarding the Company's risks and uncertainties, please refer to the “Risk Factors” in the Company’s public reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. The Company cautions you not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect an analysis only and speak only as of the date hereof. Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Press Contacts:
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
Tina Cuccia
Corporate Communications
510-724-7000
tina_cuccia@bio-rad.com